Programs and courses

Student sitting in front of a window in First Peoples House looking at pond — Bradley Thom is an active member of the Native Students Union council while completing his degree in political science with a minor in Indigenous studies.

Why choose UVic Indigenous Studies?

Our program creates spaces where Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can build community. It helps forge new alliances for societal transformation, community resurgence and decolonization. The program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.

Student experiences

Visit the Native Students Union for student testimonials and experiences.

Programs

We offer both an Indigenous Studies major and a minor as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Our flexible programs draw on relevant courses and collaborative relationships across the university.

We emphasize hands-on, land-based learning. You'll develop the skills necessary to work respectfully and productively with Indigenous communities and organizations.

Courses

Core courses will introduce you to the field of Indigenous Studies. You'll explore:

the diversity of Indigenous identities, experiences and resistance movements, locally and globally
a critical interdisciplinary approach to the social, political, cultural and historical contexts shaping the lives of Indigenous peoples
the relationship of land and water to Indigenous pedagogies and politics

Approved electives will give you a broad view of the important issues in the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Students in the major program take upper level courses in the following areas:

Arts, Literatures and Languages
Histories, Politics, Laws and Lands
Education, Health and Healing
Community and Land-Based Learning